‘Horrific’ scene as wild geese land in hot oil at tar pits, California rescuers say

A flock of wild Canadian geese landed in hot oil at the famed La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, fatally injuring many of the birds, a California rescue organization reported.

Only two of the 15 geese survived the “horrific” incident July 31, International Bird Rescue said in an Aug. 11 news release.

Eight died at the scene, and five more died despite desperate efforts to save them at the center, officials said.

The migrating geese landed in the “sticky goo” at the tar pits, actually bubbling asphalt, the lowest grade of crude oil, the center said. Rescuers were able to save seven geese.

“On arrival, the birds were listless and unable to stand, and so heavily covered in tar that they were barely recognizable,” officials said. “Sadly, five of the birds quickly died after arrival, but two lucky survivors are recovering from burn wounds and feather loss.”

The birds suffered “capture myopathy,” in which their frantic efforts to free themselves cause muscle damage, the center said. One bird had a broken leg.

The two surviving birds are slowly recovering from burns and capture myopathy.

“It’s heartbreaking to see accidents like this occur,” said JD Bergeron, CEO of Bird Rescue. “Birds in a changing world face dwindling natural habitat and lack of habitat is a big problem for the wild animals that call Los Angeles home.”

The La Brea Tar Pits are an Ice Age fossil site where animals, plants and insects became trapped in sticky asphalt. It is now a popular tourist attraction.

This story was originally published August 16, 2023 at 11:27 AM with the headline "‘Horrific’ scene as wild geese land in hot oil at tar pits, California rescuers say."